THE number of Wiltshire homeowners facing the threat of repossession rose by 11 per cent in 2006, figures released today reveal.

The statistics issued by the Government's Department for Constitutional Affairs showed 1,290 local homeowners were taken to court to face the risk of losing their homes last year, compared to 1,159 in 2005.

Shelter South West regional manager Jackie Beech said: "More and more people in Wiltshire are living with the devastating threat of homelessness which can rob families and children of their security and stability.

"Sky-high prices created by a chronic shortage of housing are forcing more families to overstretch themselves to get on the property ladder.

"The government must strengthen the safety net for those who struggle to keep up with their mortgage and commit to building more social homes for those families and children who are paying the highest price for the ongoing housing crisis."

Anyone struggling with the cost of their mortgage or with any other housing problem should go to www.shelter.org.uk or call our free housing advice line on 0808 800 4444.